Lightning Sparks Fires In Okanagan

By 250 News

KAMLOOPS – A recent lightning storm has started several small wildfires in the Okanagan, including a six hectare fire at Myra Canyon.

Air tankers and three helicopters are currently actioning the wildfire at Myra Canyon, while heavy equipment and six BC Forest Service personnel are en route. A 20 person sustained action crew is also en route for tomorrow morning. There is limited access to the fire, and crews will have to build a road into the area. The wildfire is also burning in blown down trees, which could present another possible challenge for crews.

Two other spot size fires were also caused by the lightning storm late this afternoon.

A 3-person initial attack crew is currently responding to a fire east of the Kelowna Airport, while a fire east of Penticton was actioned by air tankers, one helicopter water-bucketing and a 3-person initial attack crew and is now in the mop up stage. None of these fires are currently posing a threat to structures or communities.

The lightning strikes have been accompanied by some precipitation; however the area is quite dry due to the recent heat wave. The Kamloops fire centre is hopeful this rainfall will assist with fire suppression efforts.

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